‘One’ God!

At the time of Jesus, confessing ‘one’ God was part of the upbringing for all Jews. There may be several reasons for Paul bringing this aspect into his teaching about unity in the Spirit (1), and I think the most important is that the consequence of this confession is that: There is only ‘one’ God that should be worshiped! Jesus reminded Satan about this when he was tempted by him in the wilderness (2). 

It is a great threat to unity when ‘worship’ goes astray and focuses on other sources. Even the worship activity can easily be a goal in itself and replace God. When Paul wrote to the church in Corinth and addressed how the church was divided, one of the issues was that they focused on the ’instruments’ the Lord had used to lead them to faith, rather than ‘worshiping’ the one and only God (3). If they had been united in the worship of 'one' God, they would have known that Apollos, Cephas and Paul were nothing but God’s instruments.

My great desire is to serve the Lord and be His instrument. From time to time I need confirmation that he uses me as his tool; however, it stops there, I do not want to stand in his way – actually it is one of the few things I really fear. Through the years, I have witnessed how some of his instruments have received more attention than the Lord.

Maybe it should be an eye-opener for us that stars within popular music are called ‘idols’ and are more or less worshiped by their ‘fans’? The ‘stars’ even take part in competitions to become the greatest ‘idol’ of the year. I cannot deny that I admire some of them including many of the great worship-leaders, because they are very good and sincere musicians. However, for me there is only one God worthy of my worship.

‘Manna’ for today: 

I will worship the Lord my God
And I will serve him only.

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(1) ….keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God – Ephesians 4:3-6
(2) For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ – Matthew 4:10
(3) 1 Cor 1:12-13

Go for it!

NORSK
The charge ‘Go for it!’ can be heard in many contexts. You can hear it in a ‘timeout’ on a sports-arena when a couch is encouraging the team to do the little extra to win a match. It is used on boards when decisions are made, and a ‘Go!’ is always fitting for the body of Christ in general and for The Salvation Army in particular.

The Greek word Paul uses when he encourages us to ‘eagerly desire the gifts of the Spirit’ (1) is the same word that gave name to the ‘fourth’ of the Jewish religious parties – the Zealots. One of the disciples of Jesus, Simon (not Peter), is believed to have come from this group (2), and some scholars even believe that Paul was associated with them (3). The Zealots were very passionate in what they believed and fought for. Paul encourages us to have the same kind of passion.

Last week a friend of mine responded on this way to what I had written:

I wish that many more would burn in the Spirit and search the gifts of the Spirit. As I see it, to be on fire is a choice every individual must make, the fire starts when one chooses to be a disciple and spend time in prayer.

I very much agree and responded in this way:

This is very important. The disciples received The holy spirit and the gifts because they were desperate in their searching and longing for the Spirit. I have to take the initiative so that The holy spirit can use his initiative in me ... This is because The holy spirit is God, and the attribute of God is love. God does never force himself on any human being.

Therefore, to “Go for it!” is actually to “go for Him”. That means to give more and more of myself to him, because Jesus has already given his all to me – including the Spirit. John the Baptist had seen this even before Jesus had sacrificed all, and expressed it like this:

He must increase and I must decrease.
John 3:30

So simple, and yet many times so hard.

‘Manna’ for today:

To go for Him means losing myself to be found in Him.

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(1) 1 Cor 14:1 – see also: Which are the ‘greater gifts’?
(2) Matt 10:4, Acts 1:13
(3) Firstly - when Paul refers to the group in his writings, he does it respectfully.

Secondly – he was militant in his persecution of the first followers of Jesus.

Which are the ‘greater gifts’?

There is no doubt that the greatest gift is The holy spirit and his burning love (1), but leading up to his teaching about love as the most excellent way, Paul wrote:

Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.
1 Cor 12:31

What does he refer to?

First of all, I must admit that I think it is a little bit strange if there is a kind of hierarchy of spiritual gifts.

Because a ‘greater gift’ will be the one that I most of all need in a given situation. However, it becomes very clear what Paul had in mind when he had finished his wonderful teaching about love (2), because he continues in this way:

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.
1 Cor 14:1

…and he explains that the reason for this is that “the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort” (3).

For an observant Bible reader, it should not be a surprise that Paul considers prophecy as a ‘greater gift’. Paul was a scholar. In regard to the law, he was a Pharisee (4), and he had studied under Gamaliel (5). When Paul met Jesus in the vision on the road to Damascus he became blind and had to be led into the city. There Ananias visited him and prophesied over him, and event that confirmed Paul's calling and ministry.

Paul could relate all that happened to him to the prophecies of the Old Testament and he used these prophecies as important part of his teaching and preaching. Paul experienced frequently that people prophesied over him (6), and he also used this gift in his own ministry (7).

I will write more on the subject of 'eagerly desiring the greater gifts' in the next couple of blogs.

‘Manna’ for today:

God always speaks! (8)

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(1) See: “Go for ‘the gifts’ in an excellent way!”
(2) 1 Corinthians 13
(3) 1 Corinthians 14:3
(4) Philippians 3:5
(5) Acts 22:3
(6) Acts 21:10-11
(7) Acts 27:21-26
(8) The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets. Psalm 50:1

How do I eagerly desire the spiritual gifts?

I have met many Christians who say: 

“I am ready for whatever God will give me”.

This is a good attitude, however, it is also a passive attitude. Particularly because the Bible is pretty clear on what the will of God is, and what God has already given. 

When I think about how I received salvation, it was possible because I knew that God had already done his part. I delayed my response, but when I finally was ready, it was an active response: I surrendered to what he had done and accepted his gift of salvation. The gift had to be unwrapped. It can in many ways been likened to the gifts under the Christmas tree. I know that there will be a gift for me there. However, even if it has my label on, it is wasted if I do not pick it up, unwrap it and start to use it.

To eagerly desire the spiritual gifts as Paul encourages us to do (1), requires active involvement from my part. I need to ‘unwrap’ what God has already given. God made salvation available through what Jesus did on the cross and he made the Holy Spirit and his gifts available when he on the day of Pentecost fulfilled the promise:

In the last days, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Acts 2:17

Since I am included in “all people”, I know that I am also included in the outpouring of the Spirit.

I believe that it was so important for Peter to make sure that everyone should feel included, that he continued to quote more from the prophecy from Joel. It confirms that this has nothing to do with gender, age or social status (2). You are included. The gift has your label if you include yourself in humanity.

The first step of the unwrapping of the gift of the Spirit is to believe and accept that the gift is already given to you. For some believers an acceptance of this truth can give an immediate spiritual confirmation, for others it is the beginning of journey with the Spirit which brings confirmation as we move in Him and He in us. Even though the experience can be precious, the main purpose of the outpouring is the fruit it brings in transformed lives. I will write more about the unwrapping of the gifts next week.

‘Manna’ for today:

Every day I choose to walk in and with the Spirit

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(1) 1 Cor 12:31
(2) Acts 2:17-18

Whose gift is it?

NORSK
When I am teaching on the subject of spiritual gifts, I have on rare occasion used questionnaires which are created to help people to find their gifting. The reason why it has become rare, is that I think that their usefulness is limited. The questionnaires are good because they demystify the subject; and they are good because they contribute to keeping a focus on an important resource available for all Christians.

However, I am afraid that they can limit the Spirit’s work in and through us by focus on “What is your spiritual gift?” Because is a spiritual gift really my gift?

Yes, I know that Peter said to the lame man:

“Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
Acts 3:6

But I am convinced that Peter did not consider it to be his gift. He was 100% dependent on the Spirit.

When people ask me if I have any spiritual gift, I prefer to answer “No”. Because even though people have been healed as a result of prayer, it has nothing to do with me. If it had, it should have happened every time I prayed for healing. Spiritual gifts belong to the Spirit.

Paul saw several people healed when he prayed for them, but I am sure even he many times did not see the result he wanted – I am sure he had prayed for Timothy’s stomach trouble without success (1). He had also health issues himself (2) – and even though I believe his ‘thorn in the flesh’ refers to persecution, his prayers were answered with: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (3)

PauI prophesied, but even so, he was aware of the limitations:

We know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, what is partial will be brought to an end.
1 Cor 13:9-10

The perfect is yet to come, but that did not stop Paul, nor should it stop us searching for the gifts, because:

‘Manna’ for today:

The Spirit is perfect, and it is in him we move.

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(1) 1 Timothy 5:23
(2) Galatians 4:13-15
(3) 2 Corinthians 12:9

Go for ‘the gifts’ in an excellent way!

The fourth important factor influencing movement (1), is the spiritual gifts. We can read about how the disciples used such gifts, and Paul teaches about the gifts of the Spirit in several of his letters. When he wrote to the Corinthians, he expressed how he thanked God for them because of the grace he had given them in Jesus, and then he continued:

For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge - God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.
1 Cor 1:5-7

When I read the whole letter, it quickly becomes clear that even if they did not lack any spiritual gift, they were far from perfect. This is sad, and at the same time a comfort. Spiritual gifts are not something you receive because of long and faithful service and holy living. I have met people who have become proud of their spirituality when they become aware their spiritual gift. In fact, they are gifts given by grace for people to honour God with them, and not bring attention to themselves.

From Acts we know that the gifts cannot be bought (2), however, Paul encourages us in this way:

Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.
And yet I will show you the most excellent way.
1 Cor 12:31

When Paul places the gifts subordinate to the most excellent way, he places them where all ministry belongs. The most excellent way is the way described in the 13 chapter – the way of love.

If I operate with spiritual gifts without love, it will be power out of control. God’s love is stronger than any destructive force. Human intentions may be the very best, but if they are not driven by God’s love it will in best case scenario lead to nothing. Abuse of spiritual power, is as evil as any power abuse. That is why God also respect free will of every human being. It is important for me to make these statements, because I will continue to write on this subject for some time.

‘Manna’ for today

Go for ‘the gifts’ in an excellent way!

---------------------------------------------------
(1) These four ‘internal’ factors are:
1) Passion, 2) Personality 3) Talents and 4) Spiritual gifts
(2) The story about Simon the Sorcerer Acts 8:9-24

Common experiences - a time for everything *

NORSK
In the passage I have been reflecting on in the past days, Jesus says something I think is important to remember:

“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Luke 24:49

The order to stay in the city can of course have something to do with the prophetic role of Jerusalem in God’s plan of salvation (1), but I think it was important for Jesus to tell that they had to be together when the empowerment would take place. 

The importance of sharing the same experience is also seen in the way Jesus revealed himself after the Resurrection. They who were not present, doubted that it had happened; while they who were together when Jesus suddenly came and just as suddenly disappeared could confirm for each other what they had experienced (2). If it happened only individually, doubt can suddenly turn up as an uninvited guest: “Was it just a dream?”

When I was in Tromsø in the early 70's, we experienced a lot of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and many people were saved. Some years ago, one who was part of all the great things happening, said: 

“Please tell me that it was like that!” 
– “Yes, it was, I was there when it happened!”

The more who can confirm an experience, the better. Paul wrote:

After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.
1 Corinthians 15:6

Imagine being able to attend a testimony-meeting with that crowd!

The disciples needed to be together in the city to be able to affirm for each other what had happened when the difficult days came.

‘Manna’ for today:

It is important to affirm the presence of the Lord!

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(1) See, e.g.: “What is the most special aspect of Jerusalem”
(2) See: “The discovery of the heart – a time for everything”
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost. 

Knowing what faith is - a step on the journey

NORSK
“Why couldn’t we …?” the disciples asked Jesus, and the question triggered several reflections. 

I shared the first one yesterday, and today I continue with the immediate response Jesus gave:

“Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matt 17:20

A week ago, a young mother brought to me her son and asked us to pray for him. He has microcephaly (Zika virus disease) and the disease was visible on the gorgeous little boy. I know that I can do nothing, but I also know that God can. The mother showed her faith by bringing the boy to be interceded for, Magna and I used our faith in praying. I believe Jesus was in the room and that he was very close to us. 

I wish that I could tell "and then the miracle happened!". But there was nothing to indicate that something happened there and then apart from the fact that we shared the pain. I continue to pray and I have shed many tears for the boy and his mother. I admit the feeling of emptiness caused by the feeling of shortcoming, because I have many times seen God intervene with healing. Yet I have also many times seen how he has joined in the suffering. There are no simple explanations or answers to the problem of suffering; However, with regard to the subject of faith I think the explanation is simple:

Faith is not an achievement, it is a response of love. Faith is taking God into the world so that people who suffer can meet his boundless love. “Why couldn’t we …?” the disciples asked. "For you have so little faith," Jesus replied. Maybe Jesus called it little faith because it was not a response of love to a situation of suffering, but solely a technical response: 'we’ll fix this, let's do a miracle!'?

I do not know, but again I am reminded about Paul’s statement: if I do not have love, I am nothing. The Jesus-quote from yesterday, “apart from me you can do nothing” supports the perspective if I switch ‘me’ with ‘love’. Since the Bible confirms that ‘God is love’, I would say that the switch is legitimate.

‘Manna’ for today:

“apart from love you can do nothing”

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I am born of ... yes, of course

NORSK
The theme: “What kind of birth which gives access to the kingdom of God” is still on the agenda:

“Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”
John 3:5

Yesterday, I wrote about water, blood and Spirit as three witnesses to my regeneration. Today "born of the Spirit" gets my full attention. For some reason we seem to be more familiar with the idea of the Spirit’s role in the rebirth. Perhaps, the reason for this familiarity is found in the creation-story:

And Jehovah God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Genesis 2:7

Already in the first verse of the prologue, John identified "logos" as God. A few verses later he states “In him was life”. Therefore, it is also he who gives mankind new life. Just as God breathed the breath of life into the first Adam, he now breaths new life through the last Adam. This is how Paul describes this:

“The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.
1 Cor 15:45

There is a lot of food for the thought in this reflection, but the main thing is to have the assurance of regeneration in the heart!

‘Manna’ for today:

I am born of the Spirit! (1)

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(1) Of course I am – I have already declared that "I am born of God"

“We need to wash the foundation”

NORSK
“Throughout the new history book we use the words ‘wash the foundation’. With this we mean brushing dust off the main values ​​of the Salvation Army, with a focus on the whole person’s physical, social and spiritual needs”, I said to a journalist in connection with the release of the so far last history book about The Salvation Army in Norway.

The first person I heard speaking about the values ​​of the foundation, was Jan Størksen. It must have been about 25 years ago. The values of the foundation determine how we build and present ourselves and our mission, and for Jan and the Salvation Army in Norway, the choice was that the key words "Soup, soap, salvation" should saturate everything we did, said and published.

However, this is the foundation of the mission. In our salvation, there is also a foundation:

Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
2 Timothy 2:19

Paul has written about the foundation earlier, and there it became evident ‘who’ it is:

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:11

Does Jesus have a "seal" with an inscription, like Paul wrote to Timothy?
Beyond doubt, the assumptions alluded to in the inscriptions are in accordance with the Bible in general and Jesus' own statements recorded by the evangelists:

1) Regarding ‘knowing his’, Jesus said:

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me”
John 10:14

“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
John 14:21

Paul reiterated this:

But whoever loves God is known by God
1 Corinthians 8:3

2) Regarding 'unrighteousness', Jesus said:

And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
Matt 7:23

Therefore, I believe it was important for Paul to stress that our righteousness is part of the foundation:

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
1 Corinthians 1:30

‘Manna' for today:

The inscription on the foundation must be visible in my life

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(1) Rebecca Solevåg was editor of “Soup, soap, salvation” – published in 2013

Reflect on what I am saying

NORSK
Is this instruction an expression of arrogance, or does this clear message Paul gave Timothy contain more information than the first obvious interpretation?

Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
2 Timothy 2:7

I admit that I am fascinated by Paul. He is a complex individual, and sometimes he makes statements that may seem a little arrogant. However, arrogance does not match the overall picture I have of him. He admitted openly that “now I know in part” (1), and on one occasion, he also indicated that he shared his personal judgement, and continued with “and I think that I too have the Spirit of God” (2). This last statement may indicate that it is a response to one or more who were of a different opinion and who used the argument “and we have the Spirit of God!”.

It is interesting that we can have strong disagreements, yet have the same Spirit. Paul had been in such situations on several occasions (3). Perhaps there had been a disagreement between him and Timothy too?

But he did not ask more from Timothy than just to reflect on what he wrote. He left it to the Lord to give Timothy the insights he needed, and I think Paul was humble enough to acknowledge that these insights could be different from the ones he had received himself.

‘Manna’ for today:

I will reflect on the word, and the Lord will give the insight I need!

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(1) 1 Cor 13:12
(2) 1 Cor 7:39-40
(3) See e.g. Acts 15:37-41 and Galatians 2:11-14

The wages of hard work

NORSK
Today's instruction has several possible interpretations:

The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.
2 Tim 2:6

Paul has previously touched the issue of "wages" in the letters to Timothy (1) and when he wrote to the church at Corinth, he used a whole chapter on the subject (2). It is very likely that the verse about the farmer also is about wages or reward, but I also see another message in the short sentence:
Hard work is precondition for a good harvest. 

Paul has also touched this theme in another letter:

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
2 Cor 9:6

The context of this verse about the ministry of giving. However, giving has a wider scope than just donation of financial means, generosity in the time and work we put into the kingdom of God definitely has a great value, and generosity in all areas of life provides opportunities to reap blessings. It is a good idea to use the work of a farmer as image of the ministry in God's kingdom. 
Even this image Paul has used before - when he likened the church in Corinth to "God’s field" (3).
 
'Manna' for today:

Hard work results in harvest!

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(1) “The worker deserves his wages.” 1 Timothy 5:18
(2) 1 Corinthians 9
(3) 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

To know that someone is praying…

NORSK
I know of many people who do not confess faith, nevertheless they are very grateful that there is someone who is ready to intercede on their behalf. Although I have an intercessor by the throne of God (1), it is so good to know that there are someone praying for me here on earth as well. 

It must have been a great encouragement for the young Timothy to know that his mentor was constantly praying for him:

I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.
2 Timothy 1:3

Intercession is important in many contexts, but is a vital element for success in mentoring in a Christian context. The principles of mentoring are the same both in a secular and a spiritual sphere, but in the Christian context, there is also the transmission of experiences that are not of this world. In another letter Paul used considerable space on this subject:

We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.
1 Corinthians 2:6-7 (2)

Intercession is important as an expression of care, but it is also a recognition that the mission is about far more than the proclamation of doctrines and rules of conduct, it is about spreading of God’s life on earth. This can only happen in spiritual way.

‘Manna’ for today:

There is someone there praying and knowing why!

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(1) E.g.: the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
Rom 8:26b-27
(2) It may be helpful to read the entire 1 Corinthians 2

Misuse of the Bible

A couple of days back I wrote about "Detailed instructions" and that some of the instructions are outdated. I am convinced that some because of that statement immediately concluded that "Jostein is no longer true to the Bible". However, if I read everything Paul wrote, it may on the contrary be abuse to draw conclusions from the individual verses that I call ‘outdated’ (1).
 
This is a typical example:

All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves. These are the things you are to teach and insist on.
1 Timothy 6:1-2

It would be totally wrong of me to interpret this exhortation to suggest that Paul was a supporter of slavery. In his understanding, slavery is unthinkable in God's kingdom. The same applies to the fact that all individuals have equal value regardless of gender and ethnic background (2). However, if this was his position, the obvious question arises:

“Why did Paul ask Timothy to teach and insist on subordination?”

I think the answer is very simple. 
Paul did not believe in a transformation through an upheaval. He was convinced by "the most excellent way" (3) and that God’s love from within would transform not only the individuals but the relationships between them and ultimately the entire community. It was not about an outward revolution based on power and violence, but an inner revolution guided by a love that never perishes.

Unfortunately, power, separated from love, corrupted even the church throughout its history. This has led both to defense of slavery and oppression of women, but it is not in line with the Word of God. Rather it is contempt of what God through His Word want to see come true: Unity and equality in Jesus Christ. Such contempt is also expressed in 2017. Therefore, I must “keep a close watch over myself” so that I do not misuse the Word in the same way.

'Manna' for today:

It is possible to misuse the word of God

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(1) If you read “Detailed instructions”, you will also see the statement “the spirit and the care behind the instruction form a principal of eternal value”
(2) There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:28
(3) And yet I will show you the most excellent way - 1 Corinthians 12: 31b, and from there Paul wrote The Chapter of Love

A smile on the arena of love

NORSK
It is one year ago today, since Magna and I were on the arena of terror in Istanbul. My first desire was to communicate a message of love, and God immediately gave me opportunities to do so during the following hours.

My first entry on the blog after the incident expressed the same: ‘I have to speak about love’ – and since then the opportunities to focus on God's love have lined up like a queue.

However, to speak and write about love does neither make me or other people to an example in the way Paul referred to:

“…set an example … in love…”
1 Tim 4:12

I do not think that the order Paul gave the arenas is a coincident

1. speech
2. conduct
3. love.

I not be surprised if the order illustrates a spiritual development. Anyway, I am convinced that if my words and my conduct are to be experienced as a greeting from God by people I meet, it is essential that they are driven by love.

Although Paul in the famous “chapter of love” confessed that his understanding was very limited, at least he understood that love is the most important ingredient in Christian life and living (2).

The role model above all role models, Jesus, said:

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:13

After this statement there is no need for additional comments.

‘Manna’ for today:

Without love, role models become idols who love to be worshiped

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(1) Occasionally God’s love can be manifested in an unexpected “smile”
(2) 1 Cor 13

Fit for fight and strife?

NORSK
The terminology Paul uses in his letters to Timothy, fits well with the one we use in the Salvation Army. When he urged his disciple to train himself to be godly, it was because of the importance of the promises linked to godliness concerning this present life and the life to come. Godliness is also the foundation for living as a disciple of Jesus in the world:

This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labour and strive
1 Tim 4:9-10a

The trustworthy saying Paul writes about, is the word of salvation. He made that clear even in the beginning of the letter (1), and it is a central thought in many of his letters (2). Again he goes to the core of the Gospel. Everything else is subordinate this one truth: Salvation in Jesus is available for all men. That is what the labour and strive is all about, and that is why it is important to be well trained and in good shape as good soldier to please the commanding officer (3).

‘Manna’ for today:

Declared fit for fight?

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(1) 1 Tim 1:15
(2) E.g. Titus 3:4-8 which is a summary of the gospel that has to be communicated as a ‘trustworthy saying’. See also 1 Cor 1:18  and Rom 10:8
(3) 2 Tim 2:3-4

Train to be fit

NORSK
When Paul yesterday gave the challenge: “train yourself to be godly!”, I am convinced that he was thinking about what we can learn from physical exercises and training. On several occasions Paul used images and terminology from the sports-arena (1), and today he continues:

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
1 Tim 4:8  

Although I have never been overly interested in sports or have been in the category of the “well-trained”, I have always tried to do some exercises for the benefit of my physical condition. It is certainly "of some value", not least because my body is a temple for the Holy Spirit (2), but also because the principles of good physical training programme are compatible with the principles for training in "godliness".

Here are some examples:

• The effect of a daily dose of training is greater than one single large dose per week.
• Training can be pleasurable, but it is important to exercise even when it does not feel like a pleasure
• Exercise requires more discipline in the beginning, but gets easier when it becomes a habit.
• Variation of training can improve the results.
• Regular training together with others enhances performance
• To keep a training log will support your progress.
• Many athletes benefit from having a personal trainer.

‘Manna’ for today:

Training in godliness “has value for all things”.

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(1) E.g. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 Cor 9:24  -  NB More references will come later in this series

(2) 1 Cor 3:16-17